New Pro version merges two premium editions of Windows 7, RT version will be dedicated to ARM support

Windows XP launched in 2001 with two primary editions -- Home and Professional. Later Media Center and a handful of regional-targeted versions would be tacked on. In 2006 Windows Vista -- an operating system that fairly or unfairly would come to be quite loathed and derided -- launched with a dizzying six editions including Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate. Windows 7 trimmed much bloat from Vista when it launched in 2009, but stuck with the packed six-edition lineup (which included both 32-bit and 64-bit variants, to boot).

Microsoft late Monday announced that Windows 8 would come in only three versions -- Windows 8 (self-titled), Windows Professional, and Windows RT. In many ways the latter two echo the simplistic marketing of Windows XP.

Windows RT is missing a couple of features found in the x86 editions -- notably Windows Media Player and Storage Spaces. But it comes with Microsoft's ubiquitous Office suite for free -- something the self-titled basic and Professional editions can't boast. It also comes with specialized device encryption.

Windows 8 Professional packs some different perks -- many of which were introduced in Windows 7, such as HyperV virtualization, virtual hard drive (VHD) boot, remote desktop, and Bitlocker encryption.

The veteran operating system maker stopped shy of forcing x86 customers to have a 64-bit central processing unit to upgrade. When exactly 64-bit will become the mandatory standard has been a topic of much speculation over the years.

The company plugs its reduced lineup as being its most diverse operating system yet, stating, "Windows 8 has the flexibility you need - whether you’re on an x86/64 or a WOA PC. You can use a touch screen or a keyboard and mouse – and switch anytime. It’s beautiful, fast, and fluid design is perfect for a wide range of hardware. And you’ll love browsing through the Windows Store and downloading all the apps you want. And those apps can work together too so you can share photos, maps, contacts, links and whatever else you want faster and easier. All editions of Windows 8 offer a no-compromise experience."

While the overhaul of the base and mobile-trending feature set are key storylines, arguably the biggest story is the arrival of WOA -- Windows on ARM. Windows 8 RT should be prominently featured in numerous tablets. Sentiments are mixed on these devices -- some bemoan the lack of legacy software support (given the new architecture) -- others point out that hasn't been a hindrance to mobile operating systems.

I had a 12.1" Fujitsu T4220 convertible notebook when I was in college and loved it. I'm not going to hold the thing and walk around using it but I will use it to take hand-written notes (diagrams) with it laying on a flat surface. When I want to use it as a laptop plug that thing into the base, and voila, now I have just a regular laptop.

That's ideal to me. My iPad is great but it's much too small to actually work on. Angry Birds? Sure.